Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy for Debbie Cannon Therapy

Last updated: 29/03/2026

This privacy policy explains how I collect, use, store, and protect your personal information in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018, and the ethical requirements of the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS). I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) as a data controller.

1. Who I Am

Debbie Cannon Therapy
Website: www.debbiecannontherapy.co.uk
Email: debbiecannontherapy@outlook.com
ICO Registration Number: ZB692822

I am the data controller for all personal information you provide.

2. Information I Collect

I only collect information necessary for providing safe, ethical, and effective counselling.

Personal identification

Name
Contact details (email, phone number, address)
Emergency contact information

Therapeutic information

Information you share during sessions
Relevant background information
Brief, factual session notes

Administrative information

Appointment history
Invoices and payment records
Emails or messages you send

Website data

My website may collect basic analytics such as:

IP address
Browser type
Pages visited
Cookies (you can disable these in your browser)

I do not use tracking for advertising.

3. Why I Collect Your Information

Your information is collected and processed for the following purposes:

To provide counselling services
To communicate with you about appointments
To maintain accurate clinical records
To meet legal, ethical, and professional obligations
To ensure your safety and the safety of others
To manage payments and invoices

The lawful bases for processing your data are:

Contract
Legitimate interests
Legal obligation
Consent (for specific optional activities)

4. How Your Information Is Stored

Your information is stored securely using encrypted and password‑protected systems. Measures include:

Encrypted digital notes
Password‑protected devices
Secure email practices
No unnecessary printing
Access restricted to me only

I do not share your information with third parties unless legally required.

5. Confidentiality and Its Limits

Everything you share in therapy is confidential. However, confidentiality may need to be broken if:

You disclose intent to seriously harm yourself or someone else
There is a safeguarding concern involving a child or vulnerable adult
I am required by a court of law to share information
You disclose information relating to terrorism, money laundering, or serious crime

Where possible, I will discuss this with you before taking action unless doing so would increase risk.

6. How Long I Keep Your Information

In line with professional guidance and insurance requirements:

Session notes are kept for 7 years after therapy ends
Contact details and administrative records are kept for 7 years
Emails are deleted regularly unless needed for your clinical record

After this period, all data is securely destroyed.

7. Sharing Your Information

I will never sell or share your data for marketing purposes. Your information may be shared only with:

My professional supervisor (anonymised)
Emergency services if there is immediate risk
Legal authorities if required by law

Supervisors are bound by confidentiality and GDPR.

8. Your Rights Under GDPR

You have the right to:

Access your personal data
Request corrections to inaccurate data
Request deletion of your data (in certain circumstances)
Restrict or object to processing
Request transfer of your data
Withdraw consent (where consent is the lawful basis)

To exercise these rights, contact me at:
debbiecannontherapy@outlook.com

If you have concerns about how your data is handled, you can contact the ICO at www.ico.org.uk.

9. Website Cookies and Analytics

My website may use basic cookies to improve functionality. You can disable cookies in your browser settings at any time. Analytics data is anonymised and used only to understand website traffic.

10. Contacting Me About This Policy

If you have any questions about how your data is used or stored, please contact:

Email: debbiecannontherapy@outlook.com
Website: www.debbiecannontherapy.co.uk

11. Updates to This Policy

This policy may be updated occasionally to reflect changes in legislation or practice. The most recent version will always be available on my website.